To quantitatively detect gene expression level of transforming growth factor-β type 1 receptor (TβR 1) and transforming growth factor-β type 2 receptor (TβR 2) in different stage of diabetic rats’ retina and to observe and analyze the effect of transforming growth factor-β receptors on the retina of rat diabetic animal model. · METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy adult Sprague-Dawley rats were chosen and randomly divided into two groups of normal control (CON) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection. Gene expression was detected quantitatively with real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). · RESULTS: The mRNA level of TβR 1 and TβR 2 was 0.000493±0.000133 and 0.000166±0.000057 at 4 weeks. The mRNA level of TβR 1 and TβR 2 was 0.000608±0.000232 and 0.000113±0.000049 at 12 weeks. TβR 1 expression was gradually elevated during the progression of diabetic retinopathy. TβR 2 expression was up-regulated at 4 weeks, but down-regulated at 12 weeks. · CONCLUSION: TGF-β and its receptors (TβR 1 and TβR 2) may play important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.